Her first appearance on America's Next Top Model caused controversy when a judge showed he could fit both hands round her tiny waist. But model wannabe Ann Ward's ultra slim physique did not deter the judges in tonight's finale of the hit TV show. The 6"2 gangly model from Dallas was declared the winner of the programme, landing a modelling contract, a spread in Italian Vogue and a $100,000 contract to advertise Cover Girl cosmetics.

The 19-year-old was overcome with emotion after judges including designer Roberto Cavalli, Vogue magazine's Andre Leon Tally and host Tyra Banks told her she had beaten 22-year-old finalist Chelsey Hersley from Idaho.